political waters'' by allowing St. George's South MP Arthur Pitcher to speak on their behalf in promising a compromise over a Southside housing development.

While welcoming the news that Mr. Pitcher would be seeking an agreement over the building of 20 low-cost homes at Texas Road, he urged St. David's residents to "exercise extreme caution'' in considering the issue.

Sen. Swan said the fact that Health and Social Services Minister Nelson Bascome refused to comment on the issue did not bode well because "Mr.

Pitcher, a PLP backbencher, does not speak for Government''.

"Residents of St. David's should be guided by releases from Cabinet Ministers or the Premier,'' he said.

"Mr. Pitcher, at this point, must now speak as the developer and the Government, if they are allowing him to speak on their behalf, are deliberately muddying the political waters.''